Last updated: May 3, 2025
In Center, United States, awareness of the UV Index is crucial for protecting your skin and overall health. Understanding UV levels not only helps prevent sunburn but also plays a vital role in reducing long-term skin damage and decreasing the risk of skin cancer. With a Dfa climate, residents face typical UV exposure risks, particularly during the summer months when indices peak at 9 around midday. Staying informed about the UV Index means enjoying the sun safely while keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
As the sun rises, the UV Index begins at a low 1 at 07:00, providing a gentle start to the day. By 09:00, it picks up to 3, signaling the need for a bit more awareness. The real warmth comes at 10:00, with the index reaching 5, and it escalates quickly as noon approaches. By 12:00, we hit 8, and at 13:00, the UV index peaks at 9, marking the height of solar intensity. As the afternoon progresses, values remain high but start to dip slightly: 8 at 15:00 and then down to 6 by 16:00. As the sun begins to set, the index falls to 4 at 17:00 and finally drops back to 1 by evening, reminding us to bask in the sun wisely and protect our skin during peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 12:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 14:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 6 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 4 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
As the seasons change, so do the UV Index levels, which are crucial for outdoor safety. From January to February, the UV Index is at a moderate level (3-5), allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. However, starting in March, the UV Index rises to 6, entering the high exposure category with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The most high-risk months are from April through August, where the UV Index peaks at 10 (very high) and burn times drop to just 15 minutes. Post-summer, the index decreases, hitting 8 in September and returning to high levels in October. By November, it falls back to moderate, and in December, it’s at a low level (UV Index 2), with an extended burn time of 45 minutes. Residents and visitors should take extra precautions during the high-risk months, particularly from April to August, by wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak hours to minimize the risk of skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago UVI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Brooklyn UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| New York City UVI | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Center | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| Los Angeles UVI | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
| Houston UVI | 5 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 5 |